Prince George in safe hands with new nanny as Wills and Kate take romantic jolly

VIGILANT: The nanny pushes George on his park stroll, watched carefully by a bodyguard [.]

“There was a personal protection officer with her as they walked, with more following them and there were police cars patrolling the park”

A source

The unnamed child-minder was pictured in London's Hyde Park with the third in line to the throne last week.

On Thursday, Kate, 32, and Wills, 31, jetted off to a luxury five-star resort in the Maldives.

It is thought the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge wanted George and his nanny to bond ahead of a gruelling royal tour next month.

But the decision to leave seven-month-old George while they enjoy a romantic break provoked an online debate among mums.

Hundreds took to the parenting forum Mumsnet to blast the decision.

One, louloutheshamed, wrote: "They've gone to the Maldives without Prince George apparently. Seriously? Think this might turn the tide of public opinion against them."

KEEPING SNUG: The nanny checks to make sure the new Prince is all tucked in [.]

And Katiena said: "I like them but am shocked by this, just makes me think they are the same old royals,,,can't imagine choosing to be so far away from my baby for so long."

Another, called prolific penguin, said: "I have a great nanny two days a week as I work and I could imagine maybe leaving baby over night, but for a longer time when I am out of the country no. I think this will dent their popularity too."

But the founder of another parenting forum, Netmums, said many of their members would sympathise with the first-time parents.

Siobhan Freegard said: "The subject of when to first leave your baby is always emotive. there is no right or wrong time as it depends entirely on when the parens personally feel ready.

"Parenting a baby in the first year is tough enough but William and Kate face the additional stresses and scrutiny of being royal and having their every move watched around the world.

"They may well feel they need a private break to reconnect as a couple, which is sensible as so many relationships fail soon after a new baby us born.

"George has a loving family to care for him and the best possible childcare money can buy."

WATCHFUL: A bodyguard keeps a close eye on the nanny and the future King [.]

Other mums speculated online that the couple could be trying for another child.

And bookies slashed the odds of them announcing a second royal baby this year to 1-2.

Back in England, George looked to be in good care.

A source said: "Every now and then the nanny stopped to check on the baby and make sure he was wrapped up warm in the chilly weather.

"There was a personal protection officer with her as they walked, with more following them and there were police cars patrolling the park."

Kate and Wills are thought to be holidaying at the £1,500-a-night Cheval Blanc Randheli Hotel on a second honeymoon.

Sources say the couple were keen to employ help ahead of a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand this spring.

BREAK: Wills and Kate have jetted off for a romantic holiday in the Maldives [PA]